This watchdog blog, by journalist Norman Oder, offers analysis, commentary, and reportage about the $4.9 billion project to build the Barclays Center arena and 16 high-rise buildings at a crucial site in Brooklyn. Dubbed Atlantic Yards by developer Forest City Ratner in 2003, it was rebranded Pacific Park in 2014 after the Chinese government-owned Greenland Group bought a 70% stake in 15 towers. New York State still calls it Atlantic Yards. Contact: AtlanticYardsReport[at]hotmail.com

BROOKLYN– Jimmy Kimmel Live! will broadcast its show from the host’s birthplace of Brooklyn from October 29 – November 2, which is timed to coincide with the start of the inaugural season of the Brooklyn Nets.

ABC announced today that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will originate from the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), the historic performing arts center which has been the cultural epicenter of Brooklyn since 1861. BAM is located two blocks from Barclays Center, which will open on September 28 and be the home of the Brooklyn Nets. Barclays Center will host more than 220 sports and entertainment events a year and together with BAM will create one of the most vibrant and unique culture districts in the U.S.

As part of the week of shows, Jimmy Kimmel Live! will feature Barclays Center, the Brooklyn Nets, and the borough of Brooklyn, along with special guests, segments, and music acts.

“It’ll be great to have Jimmy back in his native Brooklyn,” said Brooklyn Nets and Barclays Center CEO Brett Yormark. “It will be an exciting week for the show and for the Brooklyn Nets, as major professional sports returns to Brooklyn for the first time since 1957. Jimmy’s appearance is significant for the borough and will continue to make the Brooklyn Nets a national story.”

Kimmel will be the latest Brooklynite to be part of the historic launch of Barclays Center. JAY Z will open the venue with a concert on September 28 and Barbra Streisand will perform in concert on October 11.

Of course, there'd be reason for Kimmel to do shows in Brooklyn--it is hot culturally--even without the arena and the team. But the Nets mean synergy!